4Racing’s Championships Season has just ended but that has not seen them dwelling on its success and instead they have embraced an even brighter future (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

As part of 4Racing’s commitment to enhancing the horse racing experience, we are proud to announce an increase in stakes, trainer incentives, an exciting fixture calendar, and facility upgrades.

The horse racing operator will introduce an 8% increase in stakes, bringing the overall stakes pot for the period to an impressive R177 million. Maintaining its position as a leader in this regard, 4Racing offers the largest stakes pot in the country, attracting top talent and ensuring thrilling racing for all.

With 122 scheduled fixtures for the Highveld and 66 for Gqeberha, 4Racing guarantees the largest opportunity to highlight the best of South African horse racing.

To reward the dedication and talent of trainers on the Highveld and Gqeberha, 4Racing is set to introduce an attractive incentives program. Trainers can earn between R15,000 to R35,000 per month, with a minimum guarantee of R15,000. From May 2024 to February 2025. Trainers who produce 90% of their monthly runners across the 4Racing program (Highveld or Gqeberha) excluding Grade 1, 2, and 3 runners, will be eligible for the incentives.

Should a trainer produce 90% of his runners on the Highveld or Gqerbha during the months May 2024, June 2024 and July 2024, the trainer will receive a payment of R25,000 per month into their account subject to meeting a runner per box criteria which will be communicated.

Should a trainer produce 90% of his runners on the Highveld or Gqerbha during the period August 2024 to February 2025, the trainer will receive a payment of R15,000 per month into their account subject to meeting a runner per box criteria which will be communicated.

“Recognising the invaluable contribution of trainers, 4Racing is committed to providing additional support and subsidies to further incentivise participation. Trainers who meet specific criteria will receive substantial discounts on stable rentals, encouraging a supportive environment for their operations. The subsidy program for Raiders will also ensure decent compensation and support for trainers bringing horses to race with the people’s operator,” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Operations.

With a continuing commitment to offering their stakeholders unmatched opportunities and rewards, this program offers a range of benefits to trainers.

Additional Incentives for Resident Trainers:

• Trainers reaching 7 runners per box per year will receive an additional R10,000 per month off their stable rental for that yard.
• Trainers reaching 6 runners per box per year will receive an additional R7,500 per month off their stable rental for that yard.
• Trainers reaching 5 runners per box per year will receive an additional R5,000 per month off their stable rental for that yard.

E.g. A trainer that has a stable of 20 boxes will receive R120,000 at the end of the year off his stable rental should that yard produce 140 runners.

Raider Trainer Incentives:

• Trainers achieving 1-5 runners per month across the 4Racing jurisdictions will receive R10,000 for that month.
• Trainers achieving 6-10 runners per month across the 4Racing jurisdictions will receive R20,000 per month for that month.
• Trainers achieving 12 or more runners per month across the 4Racing jurisdictions will receive R30,000 per month for that month.

Visitor Travel Incentives:

4Racing will pay

• R1,000 towards the transport of any runners in a normal race.
• R5,000 towards the transport for listed race runners.
• R10,000 towards the transport for Grade 2+3 runners.
• R30,000 towards the transport for Grade 1 runners.

4Racing would also like to announce upgrades to all three of its venues. Turffontein Racecourse, the Vaal Racecourse and Fairview Racecourse in Gqeberha will undergo renovation to ensure the best possible racing experience for all stakeholders.

“As 4Racing strives to enrich the ownership experience, we are currently working on additional incentives aimed at benefiting owners, with further details to be announced in due course”, said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Operations.

Wings Of War stays on for second and a historic win should not be far away (Pictures: HKJC)

Mary Slack went close to having her first win in Hong Kong today when her Douglas Whyte-trained Irish-bred imported five-year-old gelding by Dark Angel, Wings Of War, ran a 1,75 length second in a class 3 handicap over 1200m under Harry Bentley.

Hong Kong racing used to be a closed book with only residents allowed to own, but it changed in late 2022 when Mary Slack became one of the first two persons to be allowed to own horses in Hong Kong as non-residents.

This development came after the HKJC authorized the ownership and racing of two thoroughbreds under the names of Chinese Billionaire and Yulong Supremo, Zhang Yuesheng, as well as Slack.

Tony Millard initially trained imported Wings of War, who is now trained by Douglas Whyte.

The gelding arrived as a twice winner, including having won a Gr 2 over six furlongs at Newbury as a two-year-old when trained by Clive Cox for owner Isa Salman Al Khalifa.

Wings Of War was bought in training by Slack and exported from the UK to Hong Kong.

However, despite finishing second three times and third three times, he is yet to record what would be a historic win on the racing mad island.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yuesheng has beaten Slack to the accolade of being the first non-resident owner to win a race in Hong Kong.

His charge, an Irish-bred four-year-old gelding by Showcasing called Show Respect, was initially trained by Whyte.

He switched to Australian Mark Newnham’s yard in January this year and finally got off the mark in Hong Kong on 13 march when winning a class 4 event over 1650m.

He followed up in his next start in a class 3.

However, Wings Of War has dropped from a 78 down to a 68 after 14 starts on the island and it shouldn’t be long before those famous black with a scarlet cap colours are carried to that elusive victory.

Clifton Stud will be hoping the price for this Act Of War colt flies as high as the colt can himself! (Picture: Bloodstock South Africa – Romi Bettison Photography)

All is set for a fantastic BSA National Yearling Sale, which kicks off at 10h00 on Thursday morning (April 18).

Day 1 sells lots 1 to 230 and day 2 sells lots 231 to 393.

Watch the sale live here!

BSA National Yearling Sale Inspector Alistair Gordon is expecting a fine sale, while executive manager Ashley de Klerk said overseas buyers are expected at the Sale.

That includes the buyer from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, who has splashed out some big numbers in past sales.

The quality of this year’s Sale has been a talking point already among those who have been to the Sales ground at the TBA Sales Complex in Germiston.

Gordon said, “We are very happy with the catalogue and the crop. I have heard from a lot of people around the ground over the last few days there are some outstanding horses here and there has been a lot of interest from all over the country. There are so many nice horses it is difficult to single any out. There really is a good cross section. I think, like last year, we may not have horses making the R6 million or R7 million bracket, but I think we will have a lot  selling for a million or more. I think the average will be good.”

Regarding a big figure being reached for one horse, Alistair was asked about Lot 167, a Vercingetorix half-brother to Rainbow Bridge, Hawwaam and Golden Ducat.

He said, “He is a nice, big, strong horse. He is very different to the rest of the family and I would not say he is typical of Vercingetorix either, but I am sure he will be popular. He is a nice horse and I am sure he will be on the radar for people.”

Alistair spoke about the machanics of a thoroughbred Sale and why they work, “Everybody has different opinions, some people like a certain horse and others like a different horse for a different reason and that’s why we still have an industry. If everybody liked the same horses all the time it would be a problem. We have a cross section of really, really nice horses here and I think there is something for everybody.”

Joshua Hotsnake (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

Seven races on the poly track face punters at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday with the first race a Maiden Plate over 1400m.

Alyson Wright has got this month off to a flying start as she bids for the KZN Champion Trainer title and saddles Gorgeous Dude who has run two promising races over the trip. He makes his poly debut but he looks to be in a good space. My Boy Lollipop was a close-up second at lengthy odds on debut and steps up in trip. He also takes on older runners but looks to be progressive.

The second is a tricky maiden over a mile. Copacabana made a smart debut for Dennis Bosch but that was over 1200m. Rachel Venniker stays with the ride as the filly goes a mile in the second start. There is nothing in her pedigree that suggests that she won’t stay the trip. Fanie Bronkhorst makes the trip from the Highveld with City Lights that does stay the trip and has improved in a tongue-tie. However, she was a well beaten second last run and has had many chances. Extraction takes on older runners but looks to be the pick of the Mike Miller quartet judged on jockey bookings. She also steps up to a mile for the first time but caught the eye when running on late in a sprint.

The third is an open handicap but Red Roses Too is quick and was not disgraced last time out from a wide draw. Her last win for Stuart Ferrie was over course and distance. There She Goes is drawn widest of the seven runners and makes her poly debut but Weiho Marwing has booked a useful claiming apprentice and she should feature. Convocation has won both starts since returning from a break. She also makes her poly debut and is useful but she took a seven point raise in the handicap for her last win. Gareth van Zyl has booked 4kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies to counter the handicap. Hot Pearl is difficult to catch right but has her third run after a break and has the best of the draw.

Cape-based Justin Snaith has hit the road running with his runners and Yamadori is way better than his last two starts. He had some promising Cape form before that and although he makes his poly debut, at best could have the measure of this field. Down By The River was not far back in his first run back from the Cape and has a handy weight.

In the fifth, Purple Powahouse has been consistent and was a touch unlucky last run when bumped at the start and losing position. He loves the poly and should put in another forward showing. Dark Tide is down in class and improved in blinkers last run although he did have a light weight. As an older horse he should take to the poly. Stevie Gee was game in defeat last run and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip. He has a light weight to help his cause. Mac Hardy could be the surprise package. He was returning from a long break and in need of his last run. He is lightly raced and one to watch in the market.

In the sixth, Joshua Hotsnake is due a change of fortune after three consecutive runner-up berths. He goes well over course and distance and should contest the finish. Cerulean Dancer takes on males but has consistent Highveld form over the trip for Fanie Bronkhorst. Muzi Yeni stays aboard as she takes to the poly for the first time. Ultra Quick found strong market support last run and won well with first time pacifiers. He looks capable of following up while Kumemori shed his maiden over course and distance and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip with Fourie back on board.

In the last, Wyatt’s Choice is lightly raced and was narrowly beaten over course and distance last time out. The form has been franked so a repeat should see him close again. Banzai Pipeline could be his main threat as he has been consistent and his last win came on this course. Flag Bearer is showing signs of his best form and was not far back over the distance last time out. He should take to the poly. Riccardo has improved with each run of late and just failed last time out. He must have a strong chance of making the frame.

The Galileo colt in the ring on Wednesday before selling for a cool 1,000,000gns Credit: Laura Green

Last of the Galileos provides stunning 1,000,000gns return for Glending Stables as Godolphin win superpower bout

James Thomas (Racing Post) reports from the second and final session of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale at Park Paddocks

Pinhooking triumphs don’t come much more stunning than what transpired at Tattersalls on Wednesday evening. During day two of the Craven Breeze-Up Sale2, Glending Stables’ Galileo colt had a trio of racing superpowers, both established and up-and-coming, squaring up for a seven-figure bidding bout.

The outcome saw the youngster enhance his value from 125,000gns yearling to 1,000,000gns two-year-old.

Once bidding commenced it wasn’t long before the price sailed beyond the half-million mark, with Chris Wall, racing manager to Vandeek’s owner KHK Racing, Amo Racing principal Kia Joorabchian and the Godolphin buying team all still seemingly full of running. Wall was the first to check out but Joorabchian seemed in no mood to back down.

When Godolphin representative Anthony Stroud indicated a bid of 900,000gns it seemed like Joorabchian, who was huddled by the entrance with his team, including agent Alex Elliott, had reached his limit.

Auctioneer Edmond Mahony tried to tempt one last increase from the group by saying: “You might never get the opportunity again.” The prompt plainly had the desired effect as they indicated a raise of 50,000gns. However, Stroud soon returned a 50,000gns bid of his own, at which point a frustrated-looking Joorabchian shook his head and exited the ring.

Roderic Kavanagh is no stranger to success at the Craven Sale, having sold Vandeek for 625,000gns 12 months ago. However, the magnitude of this transaction plainly wasn’t lost on Glending Stables man.

“You do start to dream and the last month has been tense because you know you have something special,” he said. “We were disciplined all year and didn’t lose the run of ourselves, but when this horse came up [at the yearling sales] you could feel it was a possibility to get something unique.

“It does help that you’ve sold a horse like Vandeek but I didn’t think this would happen. I have other horses coming here and it didn’t happen for them. But maybe that’s just the attributes of this horse, he just doesn’t disappoint. Hopefully he won’t disappoint anyone where he goes next.”

Asked about his expectations heading into the ring, Kavanagh said: “I thought there was a chance he’d make half [a million]. Just because lots of people like a horse doesn’t mean they’ll all turn up. If half of them turned up he might have made only half of what he did, but they all turned up. Everybody could see what I used to see every day. There are no blemishes so hopefully he’s as good as the last one.”

The Coolmore-bred colt is one of just 12 foals from the final crop of the 12-time champion sire, and is out of the Listed-placed Manderley. This lineage makes him a close relation to the Listed winner Hidden Dimples, while his dam, who was also fourth in Miss France’s 1,000 Guineas, is a sister to Gregorian.

“You start looking around and wondering what you’re missing, and maybe that’s why we were able to buy him because people thought there was something missing from the puzzle,” said Kavanagh as he reflected on finding the colt at last year’s December Yearling Sale.

“But there wasn’t, so when the vet gave us the green light we were like, ‘Wow, this is a unique opportunity’. It’s a lot of money to give on day one, but you’re always dreaming of the bigger picture. Everybody’s here and it’s a unique place. You don’t know what’s going to happen until you walk into the ring. At a live auction anything can happen.”

When it was put to Kavanagh that Wednesday’s success might not have been possible without the exploits of Vandeek, he said: “Probably not. He’s been a life changing horse. But that’s selling horses. We’re privileged to be able to get our hands on a horse like this.”

After signing the docket, Stroud said: “We all thought he was a very nice horse. He’s the last son of Galileo going through a public auction and he breezed very well. He comes from the same hotel that Vandeek came from. He deserved to do well and he did.

“When two people want a horse it can make any price. It’s good for the breeze-up business that a horse can go and make that kind of money. Fingers crossed he’s a very good racehorse.”

The colt clocked a notably fast time for a son of a stallion noted for his Classic influence. When Stroud was asked whether he expected the colt to prove as precocious as his breeze suggested, he said: “Charlie Appleby and the boss will make those calls.”

That wasn’t Stroud’s only involvement on the night as not long before he had gone to 525,000gns to secure the Havana Grey filly out of Lady Macduff. The filly not only fetched the same price as day one’s top lot but came from the same vendor too, namely Katie Walsh’s Greenhills Farm.

A Havana Grey filly out of Lady MacDuff equalled the 525,000gns sum which Greenhills Farm had realised already on Tuesday

“I’m emotional tonight, it’s unbelievable,” said Walsh. “It’s just been a great couple of days, it’s been really special. I understand how hard it is to find horses like this. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been saying, ‘Jesus, I can’t have two of them, can I?’ It’s so hard to get one, never mind two. I didn’t really say it aloud, but we all quietly thought it at home as the lads were doing the work with them that these two had something special about them.”

The filly was making her second appearance at the sales after she fetched 80,000gns from Norman Williamson and Mags O’Toole at last year’s Somerville.

Explaining how she came to consign a filly signed for by WillIamson, Walsh said: “Myself and Ross [husband] were here and Mags and Norman were here as well. I liked her, they liked her and we decided we wouldn’t take each other on. Norman bought her and she’s been with me since the fall of the hammer.

“He used to do fillies back in the day but hasn’t done them for a long time, so I said I’m better with the girls so I’ll take her. It’s a dream and I really appreciate it.”

Stroud said: “She was bought by KHK Racing. Obviously they did very well last year [with Vandeek] and she’s a very nice filly who breezed very well and there’s the connection with Havana Grey. It was a great deal of money but sometimes you have to stretch for the ones you really like.”

Mocha Frappe holds on under Kaidan Brewer (JC Photos)

There were no races of a high class at the Vaal today, but one horse who could progress in to a decent sort is the Alec Laird-trained Nick Jonsson-owned The United States colt Mocha Frappe.

He made his fourth career start today in a Maiden Plate over 1400m.

He had caught the eye as a juvenile, beaten 3,75 lengths on debut over 1160m in a race won by Pure Predator with Barbaresco second, two horses who are now rated 116 and 109 respectively.

In his next start he caught the eye staying on to be  beaten 1,05 lengths over 1450m having jumped from a wide draw.

However, he was then laid off for ten months.

He likely needed his comeback over 1400m, but was still disappointing as he did not make much progress from off the pace and was beaten 9,25 lengths over 1400m by Salute The Flag, a former Cape horse who is no slouch.

Laird decided to put a pair of blinkers on today obviously to help him get into the race quicker.

The headgear saw him taking a good hold and after a slowish start he pulled himself into the leading line without overdoing it.

He stayed on well after hitting the front a long way out.

Kaidan Brewer confirmed they had always held him in good regard and hoped he could now go on to better things with the win out of the way.

He is unlikely to be punished for the half-a-length victory in a moderate field so might be able to go through the divisions if living up to his potential.

Mocha Frappe is out of a Western Winter sprinter, so it is not clear how far he will go, but The United States is by Galileo and won a Gr 1 over 2000m and a Gr 2 over both 1600m and 2500m, so he will likely get middle distances.

Jonsson is the most successful individual owner in the country and lies third on the national owners log behind Drakenstein Stud and the Hollywood Syndicate. He also owns horses in partnerships, including R7.5 million Gold Rush winner Rapidash. If all the horses he had in partnerships were included in his total stakes earnings he would not be far off the owners championship leaders Drakenstein Stud.

Jonsson is a horseman in his own right and seldom seems to have one who doesn’t have the potential to progress into something either top class or decent.

He also has the useful Listed-runner up Silvano filly Sukhumvit with Laird. However, she did unforunately have to be scratched from the recent Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks.

What is not quite right about this picture taken at the Grand National? (The Jockey Club via X)

The grey horse is actually riderless.